You could think of Field Notes as my “blog” of observations. Periodically peek into my sketchbook, eavesdrop on my conversations, get a glimpse of my projects — and lens on life in Silicon Valley.
Filter by: Projects, Actually in Silicon Valley or Interviews
Bob Wenzlau: Waste Alchemist
Terradex CEO and Environmental Engineer
Bob Wenzlau, pioneer recycler and compost champion is now focused on what's under our workplaces, schools and homes that is known to be harmful to our health. Through his Palo Alto-based environmental information company, Terradex, Wenzlau developed a web application called What's Down as a kind of "Yelp for the environment."
Shilpa Yarlagadda: Peer Presenter
Founder of Club Academia
In this "First Person" interview, Lisa Van Dusen talks with Shilpa Yarlagadda, a 2014 graduate of Gunn High School in Palo Alto and founder of Club Academia, a video tutorial website that promotes "education of the students, by the students and for the students.
John Markoff: Technology Translator
New York Times Writer
In this "First Person" interview, John Markoff, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times senior writer and author, talks with Lisa Van Dusen about growing up in Palo Alto, covering Silicon Valley for more than 30 years and his current interest in artificial intelligence and robotics -- the "next big thing.
Elton Sherwin: Climate Crusader
CoFounder of the Carbon Zero Institute
Elton Sherwin, former cleantech venture capitalist turned accidental climate change entrepreneur talks with Lisa Van Dusen about his efforts to hunt down the most practical ways to make the planet "net zero" in carbon emissions by mid-century
David Winsberg: Spicy Farmer
East Palo Alto Farmer
While he specializes in peppers -- especially the Padrone -- he also raises chickens and grows fraises des bois, watercress and some rhubarb, all sought after by select Bay Area restaurants and farmers market goers
Jim Fruchterman: Tech4Good Evangelist
Social of Entrepreneur and Founder of Benetech
Jim Fruchterman, rocket scientist-turned-social entrepreneur and Founder/CEO of Benetech, a Palo Alto-based nonprofit, develops technology to "truly help change the world.
Scott Sagan: Peace Professor
Senior Fellow at CISAC and Stanford Professor of Political Science
Scott Sagan, nuclear disarmament expert, Senior Fellow at CISAC and Stanford professor of political science, talks with Lisa Van Dusen in the fall of 2012 about his life-long career in academic research, teaching and policy devoted to disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation
Stanford Tree: Strange Enthusiast
The Stanford Tree
Stanford grad Jonathan Strange talks to Lisa Van Dusen about what it takes to be the Stanford Tree, mascot of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band, in anticipation of his trip to the New Year's Day Rose Bowl between Stanford and Wisconsin and the 50th reunion of the Stanford Band
Angela Buenning Filo: Forest Photographer
Palo Alto-based Photographer and Creator of the 'Palo Alto Forest Project'
Angela Buenning Filo, Palo Alto-based photographer and creator of the "Palo Alto Forest Project," speaks with Lisa Van Dusen about her community-activated photo installation, part of the Palo Alto Art Center's grand reopening exhibition -- "Community Creates" -- opening on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012.
Ben Lee: Court Coach
U.S. Women's Olympic Badminton Coach
Ben Lee, the U.S. Olympic Badminton coach and Palo Alto Police Department Patrol Officer, talks with Lisa Van Dusen before heading to London for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Andrew Luck: Field Leader
Stanford Quarterback and Architecture Student
Andrew Luck, the NFL's top draft pick from 2012 and Stanford's graduating star quarterback, talks about starting his career as a professional football player with the Indianapolis Colts and reflects on his time at Stanford in this exclusive one-on-one interview
Phil Jaber: Community Barista
Founder of Philz Coffee
Phil Jaber talks with Lisa Van Dusen—over a cup of coffee—at his downtown Palo Alto coffee shop at Forest Avenue and Alma Street.
Linda Williams: Courage Champion
CEO of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
Linda Williams, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte (PPMM), speaks with Lisa Van Dusen about the challenges of leading the nation's largest Planned Parenthood affiliate. Over Williams' 22-year tenure, PPMM has grown from a one-county, five-health-center operation to a primary health-care provider serving 42 counties in two states with 36 full-service, full-time and 12 part-time centers. Ninety-seven percent of PPMM's services are preventive.
Mary Lynn Fitton: Girl Guider
Founder of The Art of Yoga Project
Mary Lynn Fitton lives near Heritage Park in downtown Palo Alto where she spends much of her time helping teen girls in the criminal justice system develop self-control and self-esteem through yoga and the creative arts in The Art of Yoga Project.
Jeremy Lin: Defense Dynamo
NBA Point Guard and Palo Alto High School Graduate
NBA point guard Jeremy Lin, a graduate of Palo Alto High School (Class of 2006) and Harvard University (Class of 2010), reflects on his Palo Alto basketball roots, his experiences as a trailblazing Asian and Ivy League player in the NBA, and his dreams for the future.
Kelly McGonigal: Compassion Cultivator
Stanford Health Psychologist and Lecturer
McGonigal shares her knowledge, spreads joy and builds community wherever she goes, demonstrating the applications of psychological science to personal health and happiness, as well as organizational success and social change.
Matt Severson: Scholarship Angel
Founder of The School Fund Nonprofit
Matt Severson, a 2007 Palo Alto High School graduate, started The School Fund, a nonprofit that connects donors with students in developing countries who need help with their annual school fees of about $150 per year.
Sal Khan: Extraordinary Explainer
Founder of Khan Academy
Sal Khan is revolutionizing education, one 10 minute YouTube video at a time. He has produced more than 2,700 segments covering everything from first grade addition to venture capital.
Dr. SV Mahadevan: Global Scaler
Director of Stanford Emergency Medicine International
Dr. S.V. Mahadevan was born in Oakland and raised in southern California. He attended UCLA Medical School before heading north to Stanford in 1999. When he isn't managing Stanford's Level 1 Trauma Center/Emergency Department, Dr. Maha, as he is known, is often traveling the world advising developing countries about how they can launch emergency medical services—or improve upon their existing programs.
Meg Waite Clayton: Neighborhood Novelist
Author of "The Wednesday Sisters"
Meg Waite Clayton has published three novels, including "The Wednesday Sisters," which is set in Eleanor Pardee Park.